On June 27, the Port of Port Angeles Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to appoint Karen Goschen as its new executive director.

Goschen served as the interim executive director since January and will now officially take the helm at the Port of Port Angeles.

“Karen Goschen’s commitment to this port and our community is unparalleled,” said Port Commission President Colleen McAleer.

“The commission fully believes Karen’s strategic vision for partnership and her servant leadership approach will improve Clallam County’s environment so businesses can prosper. We are thrilled to have Karen at the helm and expect to see great advances under her leadership,” McAleer said.

Goshen was hired as the port’s director of finance in August 2012 and was promoted to deputy executive director in 2014.

She previously has held executive-level management positions in finance and operations since 1998 and has been responsible for presenting financial and operational results to governing boards for nonprofit, government and for profit entities.

She also has held positions in management consulting, focusing on process improvement, strategic planning and financial systems, and has taught college level business and finance courses.

Goshen earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from California State University, graduating summa cum laude, and a master’s degree in business administration, with a concentration in finance, from the University of Colorado.

She also studied law at the University of Colorado.

Jones Strategic was hired by the port commission in December 2015 to conduct the executive director search.

Four executive director candidates were interviewed on June 16 in an open public meeting and then in executive session on June 17.